Objects of Hatred

In the last few days of his ministry, Jesus made a statement that provides convincing evidence that Jehovah's Witnesses are God's people that are led by His holy spirit. What was this? Where in the Bible is it located?

The statement that Jesus made is contained in Matthew 24, in his explanation about the end of the system of things. After speaking about earthquakes and wars and famines, he said, "Then people will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name." (Matthew 24:9) Who else can this Scripture apply to? Let us reason.

After speaking to trinitarian Christians, I walked away astounded at how they take that Scripture and claim it applies to them! How so? One "Christian" said, "In China, 'Christians' are either deported and killed. In Muslim nations, they can be killed our basic rights taken away. In African nations, there can be much hostility towards people who deviate from the faith they were raised in and convert to Christianity. We as 'Christians' are hated in many places."

On the surface, that can sound convincing. However, it is not enough. Look at Christ's statement again. He said that true Christians would be "objects of hatred by all the nations" on account of his name. It is not true that those "Christians" are hated by all the nations on account of the name of Christ.

Jehovah's Witnesses are.

No matter which country Jehovah's Witnesses go to, they are hated. In countries like China, we are killed or deported. In Muslim countries, we are killed, deported, or basic rights are taken away. In African countries, we face hostility upon conversion. And, unlike other "Christians", the list does not stop there. In Russia, they are trying to ban Jehovah's Witnesses. In many countries where "Christianity" flourishes, like Guam, France, and Mexico, Jehovah's Witnesses are hated and mistreated.

Other religions can not say this. Catholics hate Jehovah's Witnesses. Protestants hate Jehovah's Witnesses. Everyone hates Jehovah's Witnesses. Many otherwise tolerant countries hate Jehovah's Witnesses for our stance on war and politics. No other peoples are hated as Jehovah's Witnesses are hated. In fact, in one nationwide poll in the United States of America, Jehovah's Witnesses were voted as the least favorite religious group.

Ask yourself: Why are Jehovah's Witnesses so hated? It is all on the basis of Jesus' name! How? In Jewish countries we are hated because we believe in Jesus. In Muslim countries we are hated because we proclaim Jesus and no one else. In "Christian" countries, we are hated because we do not hold up the false doctrine of the Trinity. Yes, we teach the truth about Jesus, he is not Almighty God and so we are hated. If we taught the Trinity, we would be accepted.

In so-called tolerant countries, we are hated for our stance on militaristic and political affairs--all due to what Jesus said to true Christians. "Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:52) And in another place he says, "My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source."-John 18:36

As Jehovah's Witnesses, we know that if Jesus was a king in this earthly system of things, we would be subjects of that kingdom. Even if Jesus died and descendent's replaced him, it would still be a kingdom truly in Jesus' name and we would fight. However, Christ kingdom is not part of this world. There is no kingdom or government on earth that is an expression of that Kingdom. If we chose to fight for our respective countries, we would no longer be subjects of the Kingdom of God. For this reason, we are hated by so-called tolerant countries, even if they are "Christian".

No matter where you go, we are hated only because of our views of Jesus and his teachings. No other groups can say that. Mormons are hated for more then just their views on Jesus. Sacred Name groups and KJV-Only groups are, too. Any other religion that I can think of that is hated is not hated only for their views on Jesus Christ. We are the only group that fits that description at Matthew 24:9. For that we are glad! Why?

"Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens; for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you."-Matthew 5:11-12

If you would like to learn more about Jehovah's Witnesses, we will be happy to help you! Yes, the above does not sound appealing but without persecution and hatred, you can not be sure your religion is the true one. Also, Paul's words to Timothy are important to factor in. "All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted."-2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22